The last three rounds at Rome featured a lot of walk-overs and forfaits!
First Pennetta succumbed to a wrist injury after trailing 0-4 against Serena Williams. Later on, the American had to forfeit herself in the semifinal due to back problems. This meant Na Li got a walk-over final spot after winning 6-1, 7-6(4) against Cibulkova in the quarter final the day before.
Sharapova was too good against Venus Williams. The Russian needed one break in the first set: 6-4 and after breaking in the second set at 4-3, Williams called it quits and let the match slip: 6-3.
I forsaw an exciting match between the two lefties Kerber and Kvitova and that's exactly what we got! The momentum swung side to side with breaks flying around. Eventually the first set went to a tiebreak where Kerber stayed more focused: 7-6(2). In the second set, Kvitova seemed to find her groove again and smashed her way to 6-1 although Kerber defended great, running practically to every corner of the court. At this point I didn't know what I would see in the third set but after a quick intervention of her coach, Kerber steamrolled to a 7-6(2), 1-6, 6-1 victory.
But Kerber was clearly still tired of knocking out the number four out of Rome; she didn't look as sharp and focused in her semifinal against Sharapova. The unforced errors got way out of hand and Sharapova managed to win it: 6-3, 6-4.
Next up was the final between Sharapova and Na Li and wow, it truly was amazing! This could get the award for the most comeback-spirit of the year.
First Na Li seemed to win the match fairly easy when leading: 6-4, 4-0. I don't know exactly how, but Sharapova battled back and won the six following games to conclude the second set 6-4 in her favor. Then it looked like Sharapova overpowered the Chinese when leading a double break at 4-1. However Na Li wasn't done yet, she levelled the match again at 5-5. At this point, the rain started to play up and even though Kader Nouni (that French umpire with the incredible voice!) wanted to suspend play, Na Li and Sharapova insisted on continuing. Eventually the clay became too slippery and the players stopped at 6-6 (while I was pulling my hair out in the mean time).
It took hours before the rain settled and the two could get on with their final set tiebreak. I feared for Sharapova, who doesn't have the best start at times. Completely mirroring the entire match, the tiebreak went to 5-5. I was starting to wonder if this match would ever get a victor and then Sharapova scored the next two points to end it: 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(5). I must say it's yet another great achievement of the Russian; she hasn't lost a three setter this year so far!
Keep posted for the Brussels Open and Roland Garros!
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